Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Maine

During proper weather conditions, this is a pleasant area to dive and explore. All the sea life you would expect should be here. Beginners will enjoy the easy entry and relative shallows, while the advanced divers of your group will desire to explore beyond outer rocks. From Kennybunk Port, you can take Rt. 9 North for about 9.3 miles. Turn right onto Bridge Road, and then in another mile, left on Mile Stretch Rd, bear right on Orcutt Blvd, and go to the end. You can also take Rt. 208 East (Pool Road) out of Biddford for about 5.5 miles, bearing left onto Bridge Road, then left onto Mile Stretch Rd., bear right on Orcutt Blvd, and go to the end.

For an easy sandy entry, try Wells Beach. This intermediate dive offers a view of the typical critters found in this area: lobster, crab, and flounder. A dive flag is required in this area since boats are plentiful. At about 4 miles North of Ogunquit on Route 1, turn right onto Mile Rd. Go about 1 mile to the end, where you will find parking. Park next to the benches, since that is the closest to the stairs to the beach.

Fort Foster was an active military site from 1873 to 1948. The grounds are easily accessible during season, but are quite a hike when the gates are closed. You can get more information here: Fort Foster gate house (207)439-2182 or Kittery Recreation Department (207)439-3800. Fees are $10.00 per car, $5.00 per person for pedestrians. Fort Foster is open 7 days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and on weekends in May and September. The hours of operation are from 10:00am-8:00pm or dusk. Pedestrians can come to the park as early as 8:00am, free of charge. Rocky Beach is the area for scuba diving, while Pier beach offers restrooms and picnic tables. At the Southeastern most point of Maine, you'll find Kittery. From Route 1, head East on 103 for 3.4 miles. Carefully follow the signs for 103, as Walker St. becomes Wentworth St. which becomes Whipple Rd. which becomes Pepperrell Rd. You'll pass Fort McClary along the way. At 3.4 miles, bear right onto Chauncey Creek Rd. In about a half a mile, turn right onto Pocohontas Rd., and bear right (you'll see the sign to Fort Foster). In 1.4 miles, you'll be at the park.

For an advanced wreck diver, this is a great site. The Wandby ran aground here in 1921, and has since been mostly scavenged for its metal. Large and small pieces, however, are still around for investigation. We recommend you be guided through your first dive here, as the swim to the wreck can be challenging in even calm conditions. Located in scenic Kennebunk Port, this site is on the other side of the super-secret compound of the Bush's summer home on Walkers point. Driving through Kennebunk Port on Rt. 9, turn South on Ocean Ave and drive for about 2.3 miles. Just past Walkers Point (you can't miss the to-die-for residences), is a small dirt turn-out on the right.

This is another relatively shallow dive in the Biddeford area.. You will have more of a chance to see seals on this dive, since the rocks offer a good place for them to hang out and consume the abundant Striped Bass.

October 2004 - Received from Art Wallace: This is just to thank you for the Biddeford, Maine former Coast Guard site page. I remember many hours on watch in that tower (but I don't remember seeing any divers) from 1963-64, under Chief Boatswain's Mate Lee Merrick (d. Portland, Me. in the 1980's; he also had been keeper of nearby Wood Island Light). The official name was Fletcher's Neck Lifeboat Station, from back in 19th century, and is included in the National Registry of Historic Places. When I was there, lifeboats were no longer hauled out into the surf through those doors opening onto the road; the crew drove to the Pool Harbour to a 30 footer and a self-righting 36 footer; to maintain them, a 1st class Engineman was included in the station complement. It's great to see how beautifully it's been restored after its closure in the early '70s and subsequent neglect for many years. It's a long way from here on Lake Erie and hardly rates mention in the USCG's net files. Thanks very much. From Kennybunk Port, you can take Rt. 9 North for about 9.3 miles. Turn right onto Bridge Road, and then in another mile, left on Mile Stretch Rd, bear right on Orcutt Blvd, and go to the end. You can also take Rt. 208 East (Pool Road) out of Biddford for about 5.5 miles, bearing left onto Bridge Road, then left onto Mile Stretch Rd., bear right on Orcutt Blvd, and go to the end. The station is .3 miles further.

For you novices, this is considered an easy dive, with plenty to see. At the time of this writing, however, this site appeared to be inaccessible. We'd like to get a few reviews on the area, so if you've been here, write away! From Kennybunk Port, you can take Rt. 9 North for about 8 miles. Bear right onto Fortune's Rocks Road. In a half a mile you will be at Fortunes Rocks. You can also take Rt. 208 East (Pool Road) out of Biddford for about 7 miles.

Nubble Light is a very picturesque location that offers easy access to some fine diving. Established in 1879, Nubble Light is off limits to visitors, but you can still get a good view of it from the park. Located next to York Village, in Cape Neddick. From Route 1A in Cape Neddick (S. Main Street), follow Nubble Rd for about 1 mile. Turn left into Sohler Park.

Fort McClary is an easily accessible dive site with a moderate hike from the parking area. You should be able to park on the grounds between Memorial Day and September 30. Call (207) 384-5160 to be sure. A small fee will be charged. While you are there, take a look at the construction that took place over the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. Truly impressive! At the Southeastern most point of Maine, you'll find Kittery. From Route 1, head East on 103 for 2.5 miles. Carefully follow the signs for 103, as Walker St. becomes Wentworth St. which becomes Whipple Rd. which becomes Pepperrell Rd. (you get the idea!) Fort McClary will be on your right after winding around these roads.

This is an easy dive that is generally used for classes. Currents and depth will not be a problem here, and you should have plenty of fun searching for critters and relics of days gone by. Located in scenic Kennebunk Port, this site is directly across the road from the Colony Hotel. Driving through Kennebunk Port on Rt. 9, turn South on Ocean Ave and drive for about 1.1 mile. Turn right onto a small dirt road, where you'll find plenty of parking.

The premier shore dive site in Maine is the Old Steamship Pier in Eastport. The site is the remains of an old steamship pier used by Franklin D. Roosevelt and others. Campobello Island, Canada can be seen right across the way. Currents at this site can be strong due to tidal differences in excess of twenty feet, after all this is the Bay of Fundy area. Marine life is prolific and immense due to high nutrient flow from the currents and tides. Being the site of an old pier and fishing town there is ample opportunity to gather old medicine bottles, clay pipes and other antiquities long ago cast in to the sea. The only down side of the site is that it is a long way from "civilization". It is over a six hour drive from Boston.

There are pieces of two wrecks at this site from the Empress and the Lively Lady. There is also a diverse underwater landscape, as well. We'd recommend a guide for your first visit here, as you will want to explore outside the cove and find the best places to search for 'treasure'. The surge can be a problem here, so be careful with your entry and exit. Located in scenic Kennebunk Port, this site is directly to the left of St. Ann's church. Driving through Kennebunk Port on Rt. 9, turn South on Ocean Ave and drive for about 1.4 miles. Turn right onto a small dirt road, where you'll find limited parking at the base of the cove. There is also parking a bit further down the road.

Israel's Head is a convenient dive for those staying in Ogunquit. This scenic coastal town offers good food, lodging, beach dwelling, and of course diving. If you are visiting this area for the first time, plan on staying a few days since one of the premier beaches of Southern Maine is found here. Located in Ogunquit off Route 1. Turn Southeast onto Shore Rd for one half milie. Turn right onto Israels Head Rd. In about 500 yards, you'll see the site.

This picturesque area is the site of two wrecks: the Annie McGuire and the Lachinvar. It is also great park for non-divers to hang out and explore, as well. As you'll read below, getting to the water's edge can be a challenge, so we'd only recommend advanced divers in good physical shape attempt this dive. Take a look at the previous site, Two Lights, to get your bearings. At the intersection of 77 and East Point Road, head North for 1.5 miles, then make a right onto Shore Road. In 2.5 miles you can take a right into Fort Williams Park. Drive past Ships Cove, until you end up in the parking lot next to the light house.

This is a great site for dive classes and beginners, or any others who haven't been wet in a while. There is a large grassy area for setting up your gear, and an easy ramp entering the water. About 5 miles South of Portland on Route 1, hang a left at Oak Hill onto 114 (Gorham Rd). Go for 3 miles merging onto Rt.207 (Black Point Road), then make a left onto 77 (Spunwink Rd.) In about 3.5 miles, bear right onto Bowery Beach Rd. In two miles, turn right onto Kettle Cove Rd. Kettle Cove is just down the road.

Ships Cove is a great place for the kids to hang out while waiting for the divers to return. With all this history this site has enjoyed, there is a possibility for you treasure hunters to bring something up from the bottom Take a look at the previous site, Portland Head Light. Ship's Cove is the first cove you come to on the left once you have entered Fort Williams Park.

For a shallow dive, with a possibility of finding some old Coast Guard artifacts, Twin Lights can make for an enjoyable morning. About 5 miles South of Portland on Route 1, hang a left at Oak Hill onto 114 (Gorham Rd). Go for 3 miles merging onto Rt.207 (Black Point Road), then make a left onto 77 (Spunwink Rd.) In about 3.5 miles, bear right onto Bowery Beach Rd. In 2.3 miles, turn right onto East Point Road. Continue down the road, bearing left for 1.7 miles (do not go into the Park); the road will dead end at the dive site.

I dove this site on 9-4-2005 with Dave Peterson as my Dive buddy for the day. We stayed in less than 50 feet of depth loved the abundant sea life. I've never seen so many sea urchins, plus a lot of lobster and crabs, star fish as well. Oh!, and some schools of polluck. After Visiting Pemiquid Point Light house, travel north on route 130 to New Harbor Maine, turn right onto route 32 and follow until you see the signs for Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve. This is one of my best dives ever in Maine. Tons of sea life. Lots of lobster, crabs, star fish, and sea urchins. It has a great variety of depth close to shore. You can stay on a shelf that is 40 feet and less or you can go a little deeper if you like. I bought a book called "Dive Maine" third edition by Steve Audet which is all about Maine Shore Dive sites by Steve Audet at Johnson's Sports in Brunswick Maine. I'm a Vermonter that Loves to dive Maine.

Depending on the wind and waves you start diving at the south / north point of the rock with the lighthouse, and dive around it. It can be a far swim if you take it easy, so better spend a couple of dives doing the whole site. We saw a lot of lobsters hereand a few stingrays, besides the normal marinelife. Easy shoredive.

I am starting to survey another dive Wednesday Wells Quarry, I think this dive is going to be cool. The owner of the Quarry is real willing to make this happen and he is going to take a scuba class from me. He has given me permission to buoy anything that I find, max depth is about 76 feet and there is a lot of stuff in there. I am doing an advanced deep dive class October 4th, 2003 there. Mike Bridges of www.diverslocker.net

Southeast of Cedar Island

Southeast side of Duck Island, Isle of Shoals.

Sand Beach is also known as Newport Cove.

Little Hunters Beach is also known as Musical Beach.

Air fills, rental gear, instruction available at dive shop(Johnson's sporting Goods) in Rockland, about 15 minutes away. The parking spot is at the 90 degree left turn of the road. Park on the right side. follow the trail down to the water. Be careful of the slippery rocks at low tide!

The City of Portland hit the ledge and sank in 1884. The wreckage is scattered in the sandy bottom. Very cool dive. Easily accessed by local DC charter boat from Rockland or private vessel.

Sunk in 1914 during a storm, the Irvinton was a 140' long tug. Bow is intact. Currents can be strong, dive at slack tide. Can be accessed by private boat or charter(Maine Scuba Services) from Rockland. Wreck lays beside Northeast Pond ledge. Wreck is partialy buried in the sand. Wreck of the Irvington is also known as Irvington.

145 foot long schooner somewhat intact. Burned and sank early 1900's. Lots of urchins, anemones. Easy to find in Seal Harbor. North west side of harbor, watch the depthfinder to locate wreck. The vis can be bad at times. Advanced site! Can be accessed by charter boat from local Rockland dive centers.